At the supermarket, my son begged for toys, but I refused. Nearby, another boy threw a tantrum, and his calm mom diffused it effortlessly. Inspired, I decided to try a new approach: praising instead of scolding.
For a week, I focused on positivity. When my son made noise at bedtime, I praised his “exercise” instead of yelling. The next morning, he got ready without reminders, though slower than usual. Meals and homework were still challenging, but praise sparked meaningful conversations.
Not everyone agreed—my husband disapproved, and my mother-in-law criticized me. My son also tested my limits, using my praise as excuses. I slipped up occasionally, but I learned to apologize and adjust.
While the experiment wasn’t perfect, our home became calmer, and I now focus on communicating positively. My son even says, “Fighting isn’t the best way to get what you want.”
